Thiago Almada will join Lyon from Botafogo in January 2025
The excitement among the fans at the Stade de Lyon was palpable as they got a taste of Thiago Almada’s brilliance in Argentina’s Olympic win over the Dominican Republic. The young Argentinian star, who currently plays for Botafogo, will don the Lyon shirt from January 2025. The goal completed a great team move. At just 23 years old, the playmaker, wearing the legendary Argentina No. 10 shirt, has already left an indelible mark on the French city he will soon call home.
Julian Alvarez: On the verge of ‘finishing’ football
Meanwhile, another Argentinian was on the verge of achieving a historic achievement. At just 24 years old, Julian Alvarez is ready to “finish” his football career by adding another Olympic gold medal to his already impressive collection. Less than two years ago, he was part of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad in Qatar. He subsequently won the domestic treble in his first season at Manchester City, becoming the first player to achieve two domestic trebles in the same year.
Olympic Football: Argentina at Paris 2024
Argentina knows how to win gold medals at the Olympics, having done so in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. To continue their legend. However, they sparked controversy when they suffered a dramatic 2-1 loss to Morocco at the 2024 Paris Olympics and had a stoppage-time equalizer disallowed. The defeat made it a must-win in their next game against Iraq.
Countering the Iraqi Backlash
Argentina defeated Iraq 3-1 thanks to Alvarez’s outstanding performance and two assists. Almada opened the scoring, showing his talent and composure in front of goal. The victory helped Argentina advance to the knockout rounds, laying the foundation for what could be a record-breaking run.
Julian Alvarez’s Stacked Trophy Cabinet
Here are the honors Julian Alvarez has received so far:
Argentina (2021-present)
FIFA World Cup (2022)
America’s Cup (2021, 2024)
CONMEBOL – UEFA Champions League (2022)
Manchester City (2022-present)
Premier League (22/23, 23/24)
FA Cup (22/23)
UEFA Champions League (22/23)
European Super Cup (2023)
FIFA Club World Cup (2023)
River Plate (2018–2022)
Argentina Serie A (2021)
Argentina Cup (18/19)
Argentine Super Cup (2019)
Trofeo de Campeones (2021)
Copa Libertadores (2018)
Requepa, South America (2019)
Almada’s impact on Lyon and future
Almada’s performance against Iraq demonstrated his ability to link midfield and attack, a trait that will undoubtedly work in Lyon’s favor. Head coach Javier Mascherano praised Almada: “He is the kind of player who can connect the midfield and attack. He can pick out the last pass and catch the opponent off guard. He is a top player.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thiago Almada will join Olympique Lyonnais from Botafogo in January 2025.
Julian Alvarez has won the World Cup, Copa America, UEFA Champions League, Premier League and several other national and international titles.
Argentina lost 2-1 to Morocco in a dramatic game that included a controversial stoppage-time equalizer that was disallowed.
Argentina coach Mascherano praised Almada’s performance and emphasized his ability to connect the midfield and attack.
Julian Alvarez aims to win Olympic gold to complete his collection of major football titles.
Conclusion
Thiago Almada and Julian Alvarez will leave an indelible mark on their respective teams and the sport. Almada’s performances at the Olympics gave the French club huge hopes as he prepared for a move to Lyon. Meanwhile, Alvarez is on the verge of “finishing” football, with an Olympic gold medal the final accolade in an illustrious career. Led by these young stars, Argentina’s journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics will be unforgettable.
